Destiny's love

Part- 52

After a week of manipulation >>>>

Scene: Rohan's Apartment – Seoul – Late Evening

The winter air was sharp as Hayoung stepped out of the taxi, her scarf pulled tight around her neck. She glanced up at the building in front of her — tall, modern, with mirrored glass that caught the glow of the streetlights. It wasn't far from the Han River. She remembered passing this area before, but never stopping.

Rohan had texted her just two hours ago:

Need you to come by. Important work matter. Can't wait until tomorrow.

She hadn't questioned it. After all, for the past month, he'd been the one who seemed to understand her, the one who said all the right things when she was tired or upset. Even if she didn't admit it out loud, she had begun to rely on his steady, sympathetic presence.

Still, something about being here — at his home — made her shift uncomfortably as she stepped into the lobby.

When the elevator doors opened on the twelfth floor, he was already standing there, leaning casually against the wall in a dark sweater, his hair slightly tousled.

"Hayoung," he greeted warmly. "Thanks for coming so quickly."

"No problem," she said, trying to shake off her unease. "What's so urgent?"

He smiled faintly. "Come in, I'll explain."

The apartment was exactly what she expected — neat, modern, with clean lines and a faint scent of cologne in the air. Floor-to-ceiling windows opened onto a glittering view of the city.

On the dining table, she noticed a laptop, some scattered documents, and a few photography mood boards — all things that made the visit feel legitimate.

"Sorry for calling you so late," Rohan said, walking toward the table. "But I wanted to go over the new campaign schedule before the client call tomorrow morning. You've been so busy at the shoots, I barely get a chance to talk to you properly anymore."

Hayoung smiled faintly. "Yeah, it's been... non-stop."

"And you've been handling it amazingly," he said, looking at her with that warm, unwavering gaze that made her feel like she was being seen. "Most people would have broken under this much pressure. But not you."

Her chest tightened at the compliment. It had been so long since she'd heard such affirming words. Jungkook... well, lately all their conversations ended in tension. Nayoung... she hadn't spoken to her in days.

Rohan tapped the laptop screen, pulling up a new set of dates. "The client wants to extend the shoot period — I know it's more work, but you're the only one who can pull this off. And..." His tone softened. "...I trust you more than anyone else in this industry."

Something about the way he said it made her glance at him — not just the words, but the way he lingered on trust you.

"Thanks," she murmured, unsure why her voice felt smaller than usual.

He smiled, almost knowingly, then moved to the kitchen. "Coffee? Tea?"

"Coffee's fine."

As he busied himself with the machine, Hayoung's gaze drifted around the apartment again. It felt... quiet. Too quiet.

"So... this was all about the campaign?" she asked, forcing a light tone.

"Mostly," he said, not turning around. "But also... I wanted to check in on you."

"Check in?"

"You've been carrying a lot lately. More than you admit." He turned back, leaning against the counter, coffee mug in hand. "And I can see it in your eyes — you're not sleeping well. You're worried. And I think I know why."

Hayoung's fingers curled against the edge of the table. "Why?"

"Because you feel like the people who are supposed to support you... don't really understand you."

Her stomach tightened. He was hitting too close to thoughts she'd been having — thoughts she hadn't voiced to anyone.

Rohan set her coffee down and sat across from her, lowering his voice as though sharing something important. "Hayoung, I've been in this industry long enough to know how it changes people. Friends... boyfriends... they start resenting your success. Or they think they know what's best for you."

Her mind flickered to Jungkook's raised voice last month, to Nayoung's sharp criticisms of Rohan himself.

"But you," Rohan continued, his tone almost gentle, "you're not doing anything wrong. You're chasing your dreams. And anyone who loves you should celebrate that, not make you feel guilty for it."

She swallowed hard, looking down at her coffee. "It's... not that simple."

"It is," he said firmly. "And I'll say it again — I trust you. I'm on your side, no matter what."

The words sank into her, heavy and warm, even as something deep inside her hesitated.

Outside, the city lights blinked against the dark glass of the windows.

And Hayoung, for the first time, didn't notice the faint, calculating gleam in Rohan's eyes as he watched her across the table.

Hayoung lifted the mug, the steam curling softly against her face. The warmth seeped into her fingers as she took the first sip — smooth, slightly sweet, the way she liked it.
Rohan watched her from across the table, his expression relaxed, conversational... but his eyes didn't leave her.

She set the cup down, focusing on the documents he had spread in front of her. "So, about the—"

"Drink while it's hot," he interrupted gently, nodding toward the coffee. "It's been a long day for you."

She offered a faint smile and took another sip, grateful for the caffeine to keep her going this late.

Flashback –

Fifteen Minutes Earlier, in the Kitchen
The hiss of the coffee machine filled the silence. Rohan reached into the top drawer beside the counter, fingers brushing past neatly arranged cutlery until they found a small amber bottle.

He glanced toward the open space — Hayoung was still in the living room, scrolling through her phone, her attention elsewhere.

He turned his body slightly, shielding his movements as he tapped a single pale tablet into his palm. It was small, almost innocuous, but potent enough to make sure the rest of the evening would unfold exactly how he intended.

With practiced ease, he dropped the pill into one mug, pouring the steaming coffee over it and watching as it dissolved without a trace.

A slow, controlled smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

Perfect.

Present >

Hayoung didn't notice the way Rohan's eyes lingered on the cup every time she lifted it. She was distracted — by the fatigue that clung to her bones, by the faint ache in her temples, by the low hum of his voice as he spoke about her talent, her ambition, how misunderstood she was.

And as the minutes passed, a subtle heaviness began to seep into her limbs. She blinked a few times, trying to focus on the words in front of her, but they seemed to swim ever so slightly.

"You okay?" Rohan asked, his tone laced with concern, as if he'd only just noticed her slowing movements.

"Yeah," she murmured. "Just... tired."

His lips curved in that same faint, unreadable smile. "Then let's take a break. No rush."

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2nd author- btsworld0705

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